ENGLISH
REFERENCE

paces

n. plural-only
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpeɪsɪz// UK //pˈeɪsɪz// paces

n. the steps you take when walking or running. It is also used to describe the speed at which someone or something moves.

n. single steps taken in walking or running, or the distance covered by such steps. Often refers to the rate of progress or speed of an activity.


SIMPLE

He took a few paces back to see the whole picture.

CONTEXTUAL

The trainer put the new athletes through their paces to see who was ready for the race.

COMPLEX

The architect measured the courtyard in long, deliberate paces, estimating the dimensions before the formal survey team arrived with their equipment.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the plural form when referring to distance or the idiom 'put someone through their paces'.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference